Snakes

Australia is home to over 190 species of snake, 25 of which are toxic to humans and 20 of those are among the most venomous in the world. They can be found all over Australia, not only in the Outback. Snakes are cold-blooded; this means that they can't regulate their body temperature internally like mammals do. Snakes need the sun, or at least warm air temperature for their body heat. The colder it is, the more inactive snakes become. That is why snakes like basking in the sun.

Snakes can see, smell and hear. Most snakes have fairly good eyesight, at least over short distances. They hear with an inner ear that picks up vibrations from the ground. Their most important sense is the sense of smell. Snakes smell by flicking their tongues in and out their mouth.

Some snakes lay eggs, while others, such as the red-bellied black snake, give birth to living young.

Did you know pythons have what is known as ‘pit organs’ on their faces that detect infrared radiation? This creates a thermal image which allows them to essentially see in the dark as an extra sense to help them catch their prey. They basically have night vision heat sensor goggles inbuilt in them!